Christmas is on its way! Discover Christmas events near you in Buntingford and South of Cambridge, from festive markets, Christmas fairs and late-night shopping to Santa visits, light switch-ons, wreath-making, concerts, pantomimes and family days out.

We’ll be adding more local Christmas events as they’re announced so bookmark this page and check back regularly – we’ll keep updating it with the latest Christmas events near you as we hear about them.

Whether you’re looking for a traditional Guy Fawkes Night celebration, a spectacular fireworks display or a local event to enjoy with the family, discover what’s happening around Buntingford and South of Cambridge this year.

We’ll continue to add new local fireworks events as details are announced, so bookmark this page and check back for the latest Bonfire Night and fireworks displays near to you.

It takes place at Wysing Arts Centre, CB23 2TX, on Wednesday 28th October, from 12noon–5pm.

Come and try ceramics, printmaking, DJ sessions, and lots more in an open and welcoming space where you can get creative, meet new people and spend time outdoors. This year features workshops from Louise Ashcroft, Davinia Clarke, DJ Boss Lady, Roo Dhissou, and Jack Oliver.

You must book a ticket to the Festival to attend, and it’s recommended that you book workshops in advance, but there will be spaces available on the day for those who want to decide when they arrive.

Tickets available on a sliding scale, £0 – £15
www.wysing.art/event/creative-youth-festival-2026

The true highlight of the 2026 show was the incredible generosity of those attending, with just over £16,000 raised. The majority of these funds will go directly to the club’s chosen charities: the East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA) and two local SERV blood runner groups.

Even more impressively, the club’s Treasurer has confirmed that since the show’s inception, the club has now donated just over £300,000 to charity – a monumental milestone of which its members are immensely proud.

The club would also like to thank local residents for their support and occasional forbearance. The show generates a lot of traffic on local roads, which many people who do not attend the event enjoy by watching the parade of passing motorcycles. However, the club appreciates that some inconvenience is created and that a very small number of guests ride rather ‘enthusiastically’ in the vicinity, something which the club does not condone.

The Royston and District Motorcycle Club intends to continue putting on the show every year, and planning is already well underway for next year. It is highly likely that the event will once again be held at Eternit on Wednesday 16th June 2027.

www.roystonmotorcycleclub.co.uk

As the nights are drawing in, there’s nothing like a warming negroni in front of the fire.

The twist of orange peel is the perfect garnish.

INGREDIENTS

25ml Naked Pinkster
25ml Campari or select aperitivo
25ml sweet vermouth
Orange peel

METHOD

Pour all the liquid ingredients into a mixing glass with ice, stir to dilute and cool

Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice

Garnish with orange peel

Courtesy of pinkstergin.com
Follow @pinkstergin on socials

Whether you’re looking for your next read, something to keep the children entertained over half term, or planning Christmas gifts, there’s something for every age and interest.

Over at Bow Books Kids, Halloween books and plenty of half-term reads are in store, and activities for a range of ages. The Gruffalo Granny has also arrived! While this edition isn’t signed, it comes with a bonus activity, making it an extra-special treat for children – perfect for half term or as a Christmas gift.

We’re now stocking Warhammer, adding even more choice for younger readers and fans of fantasy and adventure.

And for those looking to stock up, there’s 3 for 2 across both shops on selected books, subject to terms and conditions.

Bow Books & Bow Books Kids, 6 & 12 Angel Pavement, Royston SG8 9AS. Open: Mon-Sat
BB: 01763 793 279 – BBK: 07715 593 516
bow-books.co.uk – FB/Insta

Anthony Roland Douglas (Tony) passed away in late 2024 aged 94, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. His wife, Enid Mary Douglas (nee Leverington) who grew up in Meldreth, also passed away from Alzheimer’s in 2022, aged 88.

The family have a strong connection to the village. Tony was born in Barrington, and grew up at 15 West Green. He lived with his parents George and Ruth Douglas, older brother Eddie and younger sisters Edna and Kath.

Tony’s father, George, was foreman at Eastwood cement works before, during and post World War II until retirement. He helped build Barrington Cricket Pavilion and Social Club, that still exist today. George, Eddie and Tony played for Barrington Cricket and Football clubs, along with other Douglas relatives, including Paul, and more recently Michael Douglas (son of Eddie), with many plaques and photos still hanging in the Cricket Pavilion today.

For Tony’s remembrance and celebration service in October 2024, Tony’s sister Kath Mills from Foxton, wrote a special poem, which we are sure that all those who know and love Barrington, will greatly appreciate.

To Barrington with Love, by Kath Mills (Sister of Tony Douglas)

We had a lovely childhood,
Eddie, Tony, Edna and Kath.
The village green was our playground,
And go home when we must.
We roamed the fields and meadows,
And paddled in the streams.
Wild flowers in abundance,
It now seems like a dream.

No mobile phone or television,
In those days we were free.
We made our own “make believe”,
Until we went home for tea.

MCR Pathways urgently need 39 volunteer mentors for young people locally, in Stevenage and Cheshunt: 34 across Barnwell, Marriotts, Nobel and Thomas Alleyne, and five at Haileybury Turnford.

A mentor gives just one hour a week during school time. No previous mentoring experience is required, and full training and ongoing support are provided.

Could you be the consistent adult that a young person is waiting for?

To register, visit: mcrpathways.org/register or call 07743 513152

Run by Cambridge Carbon Footprint, the free tours offer a chance to see real-life home improvements including heat pumps, insulation, solar panels, batteries, EV chargers, heat recovery systems and rainwater harvesting.

Visitors can hear directly from homeowners about what they installed, what it cost, what worked, and what they might do differently.

There’s also an online talk on Batteries on Tuesday 13th October, 7–8pm, exploring the latest battery technology, prices and how batteries can work alongside solar PV, heat pumps and EVs.

Places on in-person tours are limited, so advance booking is essential.

To find out more and book, visit:
cambridgecarbonfootprint.org/open-eco-homes

There has been a hive of activity at the Ward Freman swimming pool in Buntingford over the summer.

From professionals fitting new boilers, circulation pumps and tiling the pool, to volunteers pruning, scrubbing and cleaning. Local businesses have got involved too. Welwyn Garden Alarms have upgraded our security system for free, whilst Attend2IT have upgraded our CCTV. Tim’s Chimneys have capped off the old redundant chimneys and we had a new external sign donated by Stephen Newby.

Work has started on the new showers and reception desk and we are knocking down an internal wall to improve the pool viewing and create a small cafe.

We have interviewed for a General Manager and Lifeguards, with swimming teachers next to be recruited, for our very own swim school that will run weekend mornings and a couple of evenings a week – Buntingford Swim!

By the time you read this the pool should have been filled up with water and all that’s really left is to add you – the swimmers! So if you are interested in adult or children swimming lessons please get in touch at lessons@wardfremanpool.org

For membership enquiries please email membership@wardfremanpool.org and if you would like to volunteer to help in reception or the cafe it’s volunteer@wardfremanpool.org

Buntingford Swimming Club would like help to restart once again and they can be contacted on hello@buntingfordswimmingclub.co.uk

This is just Phase One in our mission to repair, reopen and revitalise the Ward Freman Pool.

Our vision to create a modern swimming facility that the whole community can be proud of requires further funding, so fundraising and grant applications will continue.

We want to have a “Changing Places” Toilet which will be open for the general public as well as those going swimming. We also want to invest in solar panels and a modern air handling unit, ultimately a changing village and a flexible destination cafe and social space.

Find out more at www.wardfremanpool.org
FB: WardFremanPool